Empathy for NTT Earthquake Victims: Merdeka Night at Monas-HI Without Fireworks

The Ministry of Creative Economy (Kemenekraf) is still holding Merdeka Night in celebration of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day in Jakarta. However, the series of events has been adjusted to the current situation after an earthquake struck several regions, including East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The government is inviting the public to continue celebrating independence with full empathy and without excess. Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency Teuku Riefky Harsya said his ministry will also postpone the fireworks display.

“There are indeed several agenda items, and there is one agenda that we are postponing for now: the fireworks. Because that would be too much, wouldn’t it,” Riefky said during a press conference in the Bundaran HI area, Central Jakarta, Monday (17/8/2026).

Riefky said the decision was made by considering the condition of communities currently facing the earthquake disaster. In addition to postponing the fireworks, a message of solidarity for the NTT earthquake victims will be displayed as part of the Merdeka Night performances.

“Later, in the video mapping at Monas and also the drone display, there will be a ‘Pray for NTT’ message, something like that. That is also part of conveying our inner state,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy I for Strategy and Communication Systems of Bakom RI Fadh Pahdepie said the government also mourns the earthquake disaster that occurred in NTT and Simalungun, North Sumatra. He said the government has been moving since receiving information about the disaster. President Prabowo Subianto has also ordered government ranks to provide assistance to affected communities.

“At this first opportunity, we convey that the government expresses its deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters who are facing this disaster, both in NTT, in Sumba, and in other regions throughout Indonesia,” Fadh said.

According to Fadh, the atmosphere of grief due to the disaster does not mean that the public should lose the momentum to be grateful for independence. However, the celebration must be carried out with consideration and solidarity.

“So indeed, on one hand we are experiencing or facing an atmosphere of grief, but happiness and gratitude must also continue,” he said.